Goldfinger Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Goldfinger" presents an impressive restoration that breathes new life into this classic James Bond title, courtesy of Lowry Digital. With the task of rejuvenating a film that had shown significant signs of aging after more than four decades, Lowry has delivered a masterfully pristine new master that showcases the film in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.67:1, rendered in glorious 1080p using the AVC MPEG-4 compression scheme. The restoration has achieved a level of clarity and vibrancy that fans of the series may have never witnessed before, making it a benchmark for vintage film restorations moving into the high definition era. MGM's meticulous effort to avoid digital artifacts ensures that viewers are treated to a visually stunning experience devoid of banding, edge enhancement, and unnecessary digital noise reduction.

The visual presentation maintains a warm and authentic color palette that encapsulates the 1960s setting exquisitely, with exceptional color fidelity and stable detail throughout. Viewers can appreciate the intricate details on James Bond's Saville Row suits, emphasizing the high level of detail present in this transfer. However, some limitations inherent to the original filming techniques become evident in scenes involving special effects composites. These moments exhibit a noticeable decrease in sharpness and detail, particularly in shots where optical effects are prominent, resulting in a slightly inconsistent visual quality across these sequences.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Blu-ray release of "Goldfinger" stands out as an exemplary effort to preserve and enhance one of the iconic entries in the James Bond film series. The restoration work not only showcases the potential of modern digital techniques in revitalizing vintage cinema but also respects the film's original aesthetic choices. While some aspects like the optical composites reflect their time, they do little to diminish the overall quality of this remarkable transfer, making "Goldfinger" a highly commendable high-definition experience for both new audiences and long-time fans alike.

The Blu Ray release of "Goldfinger" offers viewers a choice between the original monaural soundtrack, reproduced with a lossy Dolby Digital option, and a refreshed 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. The latter, an extensively remixed option, is presented in a superior 48kHz/24-bit format. This mix has been lauded for its ability to enhance the overall fidelity of the film’s audio elements, by not only retaining the essence of the original mono track but also by infusing it with a significant aural enhancement that includes deeper bass and well-integrated surround elements. However, it's crucial to note that despite the considerable improvement, the limitations inherent to the original recordings — attributed to the technological constraints of the era — such as hiss and compromised sections, remain evident.

Critics of the new audio mix point out that while there’s an evident effort to revitalize "Goldfinger's" sound, the result doesn’t quite match the expectations set by modern audio standards. The remastered 5.1 track is seen as a modest upgrade, with dynamics that still sound dated: a cramped high-end, an unimpressive mid-range, and a rather flat low-end. Additionally, issues with dialogue clarity, particularly in lower tones, suggest that the remix, although clean and not excessively bright or harsh, achieves only moderate success in enhancing the original sound. The use of surround sound has been criticized for its limited fidelity and obvious discrete effects, coupled with an ambiance described as meager at best.

In summary, while the updated audio presentation of "Goldfinger" on Blu Ray offers a notable improvement over previous versions, particularly through the inclusion of a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, it falls short of completely transforming the auditory experience to match contemporary expectations. The efforts to maintain authenticity while boosting audio quality are commendable but are equally tempered by the physical constraints posed by the source material's age and original recording quality. Consequently, while the sound does present a more lively and fresher listening experience than its mono predecessor, aficionados and new listeners alike should temper their expectations regarding the degree of sonic modernization achieved.

The Blu-ray extra features of "Goldfinger" present an extensive suite that not only caters to the hardcore Bond aficionado but also appeals to those with a penchant for cinema history. Among the highlights are two thoughtfully compiled audio commentaries, one by director Guy Hamilton and another featuring assorted cast and crew, including Sean Connery. The commentary tracks offer insider perspectives that are both informative and engaging, despite some overlapping content. The inclusion of featurettes such as "The Making of Goldfinger" and "The Goldfinger Phenomenon" provides a nostalgic look back at the Bond craze of the 60s, enriched with interviews and vintage footage. "On Tour with the Aston Martin" adds a delightful focus on the iconic car, while the vast image database and vintage promotional material—including television adverts and radio promos—round off the package. The compilation balances quality and quantity adeptly, making this a must-have for fans. Though most materials are from previous releases and vary in video quality, the comprehensive assembly and high production values underscore MGM's commitment to the preservation of Bond's illustrious legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature-length audio commentary with director Guy Hamilton
• Feature-length audio commentary with Sean Connery and various cast and crew members
• The Making of Goldfinger: A detailed documentary on the production of Goldfinger.
• The Goldfinger Phenomenon: Exploration of the movie's impact on pop culture.
• On Tour with the Aston Martin: Focuses on Goldfinger's famous car.
• 1963 Promotional Film: Vintage promotional footage.
• Screen Tests: Audition videos for parts in the movie.
• Honor Blackman Open-Ended Interview: A unique interview format with Honor Blackman.
• Image Database: A large collection of high-quality images related to Goldfinger.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original cinematic trailer for Goldfinger.
• Original Television Advertisements: Various TV ads promoting Goldfinger.
• Radio Promos: A collection of promotional radio spots.
• Audio-only interview with Sean Connery: Exclusive insights from the leading man himself.

Goldfinger," the third installment in the James Bond film series, released in 1964, emerges as the quintessential Bond experience, marrying the finesse and charm established in "Dr. No" and "From Russia with Love" with a formula that would become the benchmark for all future Bond endeavors. This film solidifies Sean Connery's portrayal of the dashing 007, setting a high bar for suavity, gadgetry, and narrative engagement that even subsequent Bonds have strived to reach. Connery's embodiment of Bond is not just of a secret agent but the epitome of a cultural icon who defined an era of spy cinema with unparalleled charisma and style. The movie's blend of cutting-edge gadgets—for its time—like the iconic Aston Martin DB5, memorable villains, and Bond's notorious wit, along with the strategic infusion of sociopolitical relevance, makes "Goldfinger" not just a film but a milestone in cinematic history.

The narrative intricacies of "Goldfinger" are laced with ingenuity, featuring the nefarious Auric Goldfinger and his grandiose scheme involving Fort Knox, which remains one of the most captivating plots within the Bond universe. This film does not shy away from portraying the darker aspects of Bond's world, where the stakes are palpably high, and the costs significantly personal. The allure of "Goldfinger" lies in its ability to iteratively delight and surprise its audience, maintaining relevancy and exhilaration decades after its debut. The film is credited with perfecting the Bond formula: a blend of spectacular stunts, such as the unforgettable laser scene, a roster of formidable allies and foes, including the indomitably named Pussy Galore, and a narrative pace that captivates from the opening sequence to the climactic finale.

"Goldfinger" doesn't merely entertain; it encapsulates an epoch when James Bond was synonymous with trend-setting sophistication. With its significant cultural impact, it rightly stands as a towering achievement within not only the Bond series but in the broader landscape of action cinema. Its transition to Blu-ray is celebrated by aficionados and newcomers alike, promising an enriched viewing experience that pays homage to its original splendor while ensuring the legendary status of this cinematic treasure. The significance of "Goldfinger" extends beyond its runtime, embedding itself in the annals of film history as a beacon of innovation and excellence in storytelling, thereby cementing its position as an enduring classic for generations to cherish.

Goldfinger," now more than four decades past its original release, maintains an unrivaled position in the James Bond legacy, offering a perfect introduction to the quintessential elements that define the franchise. The film's restoration for Blu-ray, executed with precision by Lowry Digital, alongside an enhanced audio mix, elevates Sean Connery's iconic performance as the suave James Bond to new heights. This release not only captivates long-standing fans with its refined quality but also serves as an ideal entry point for those new to the series, presenting a seamless blend of charm, wit, and espionage adventure.

The Blu-ray edition of "Goldfinger" is celebrated not only for its technical excellence in video remastering but also for its comprehensive collection of supplements that enrich the viewing experience with a depth of behind-the-scenes insights. While the audio component may not be the highlight of this release, it does little to detract from the overall value of the Blu-ray. The package successfully encapsulates the essence of the James Bond phenomenon, ensuring that both newcomers and devotees of the franchise find substantial enjoyment and appreciation for this seminal spy film.

In conclusion, "Goldfinger" on Blu-ray represents a pinnacle in the restoration and presentation of classic cinema, particularly within the spy genre. Its meticulous remastering, combined with a plethora of supplementary content, offers an unparalleled viewing experience that pays homage to the legacy of James Bond. This release is highly recommended for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the intrigue and sophistication synonymous with 007. Whether you are a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, this edition of "Goldfinger" promises to be an essential addition to your collection, embodying both the historical significance and enduring appeal of James Bond.